Original Signed By: Marci Friedman Hamm Original Signed By

Original Signed By: Marci Friedman Hamm

Original Signed By: J. Bert Smith

Original Signed By: J. Bert Smith

Manitoba Floodway Authority Final Report Red River Floodway Expansion Project March 2011 2010 Groundwater Monitoring Activity Report – HM70 05-1100-01.19.12.06

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND AQUIFER CHARACTERIZATION.................................................1

2.0 CONSTRUCTION MONITORING......................................................................................4

2.1 BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................42.2 2010 PROGRAM ............................................................................................................4

3.0 DOMESTIC WELLS ...........................................................................................................6

3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................63.2 BACTERIA......................................................................................................................73.3 NITRATE+NITRITE (AS NITROGEN) ............................................................................83.4 PESTICIDES ..................................................................................................................93.5 CONDUCTIVITY.............................................................................................................93.6 RELATIONSHIP AMONG PARAMETERS ...................................................................103.7 LOCATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY CHANGES.............................................11

4.0 MONITORING WELLS.....................................................................................................12

4.1 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................124.2 NITRATE-NITRITE (AS NITROGEN) ...........................................................................124.3 PESTICIDES ................................................................................................................124.4 CONDUCTIVITY...........................................................................................................134.5 RELATIONSHIP AMONG PARAMETERS ...................................................................144.6 WATER LEVELS ..........................................................................................................144.7 CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENTS ..............................................................................14

5.0 2011 MONITORING.........................................................................................................16

FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES

HM70-1 Domestic Well Monitoring Locations 2010 HM70-2 Monitoring Program - Monitoring Well Locations (North Sheet) HM70-2 Monitoring Program - Monitoring Well Locations (South Sheet)

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1.0 INTRODUCTION AND AQUIFER CHARACTERIZATION

This report is submitted in response to the requirements for annual (construction) monitoring in

accordance with Clause 27 and Clause 30 of Environmental Licence No. 2691 dated July 8,

2005. Groundwater activities for 2005 and 2006 were summarized in the 2006 Groundwater

Monitoring Activity Report issued March 2007, which should be used as a reference to this

report. Activities for 2007 are summarized in the 2007 Groundwater Monitoring Activity Report

issued March 2008, activities for 2008 are summarized in the 2008 Groundwater Monitoring

Activity report issued March 2009 and activities for 2009 are summarized in the 2009

Groundwater Monitoring Activity report issued April, 2010.

During the 2010 spring flood event, the Red River water began naturally flowing into the

Floodway Channel on March 24, 2010 when the water levels rose above an elevation of 750

feet (228.6 m). The floodway gates were in operation from March 28, 2010 to April 22, 2010 with

a channel crest on April 7, 2010 at an elevation of 231.46 m (759.39 ft) and a flow of 1903 m3/s

(67,200 cfs) in the Red River and 449 m3/sec (15,850 cfs) diverted into the Floodway Channel.

A summer flood event occurred in 2010 from May 30, 2010 to June 16, 2010, with a channel

crest on June 4, 2010 at an elevation of 231.1 m (758.24 ft) and a flow of 1230 m3/s (43,450 cfs)

in the Red River and 345 m3/sec (12,200 cfs) diverted into the Floodway Channel.

The purpose of the groundwater monitoring program is to monitor the effects of construction

during Floodway expansion and to determine whether Floodway expansion has resulted in

potential effects on local groundwater. Another objective of the program is to identify the

potential for water quality changes and characterize the nature of any water quality changes

found in the groundwater. This includes evaluating if Floodway Operation is a source of the

water quality change, or if other sources and factors are more likely. Both groundwater and

surface water data are collected as part of the monitoring program. Data gathered during the

monitoring program has been analyzed and interpreted in relation to environmental

considerations.


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Two events were monitored in 2010:

� March 2010 – Pre-Spring Runoff (no Floodway Operation) � March/April 2010 – Floodway Operation

Domestic wells and monitoring wells were not sampled during the summer Floodway Operation

event, however, groundwater data from transducers is available for this event. Surface water

samples were taken during the summer flood event as part of the program to monitor for

potential construction effects. Surface water quality samples collected to monitor for potential

effects from construction activities provide comparative data for the groundwater monitoring

program. Groundwater and surface water quality samples were collected during the spring

Floodway Operation event. Additional surface water samples were collected during the summer

event.

The carbonate aquifer found along the Floodway Channel is part of a regional flow system from

eastern Manitoba. The confined carbonate bedrock aquifer has natural variations in water

quality, with the conductivity ranging from moderate to high (1,000 to 2,000 μS/cm). Near the

Floodway Inlet, local mixing with saline groundwater from southwest Manitoba results in higher

conductivity (greater than 3,000 μS/cm) groundwater with increased chloride and sodium.

Conductivity is a measure of dissolved solids, such as calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium

and sulphate.

Lower conductivity values are found in the bedrock aquifer where it is influenced by the Birds

Hill surficial granular aquifer, from CPR Keewatin Bridge to Church Road. The Birds Hill sand

and gravel surficial aquifer is a local unconfined aquifer near PTH 59N Bridge. Bedrock

beneath and surrounding the Birds Hill deposit has lower groundwater conductivity due to the

freshwater recharge through the sand and gravel.

Natural variations in groundwater quality by location and with the seasons must be considered

when the baseline and ongoing water quality results are evaluated during construction activities

and Floodway Operation events. One way to monitor whether there is surface water intrusion is

to monitor an indicator parameter such as conductivity. In the vicinity of the Bird’s Hill sand and

gravel surficial aquifer, recharge from precipitation forms groundwater with lower conductivity

(500 μS/cm to 1,000 μS/cm) than other areas of the carbonate aquifer.


3

The intrusion of any surface water into the groundwater is most readily detected when the

chemical contrast (i.e. conductivity) between the two is greatest. Most groundwater conductivity

values were found to be greater than surface water conductivity values measured during annual

spring Floodway Operation. River conductivity values are historically lowest during spring flood

events, such as in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. In this situation, groundwater conductivity

would be expected to decrease, if surface water intruded. During summer Floodway Operation

in 2005, floodway use in 2007, and summer Floodway Operation in 2010 river conductivity

values were slightly higher than in the spring, and higher than the natural groundwater in some

areas near the CPR Keewatin Bridge, PTH 59N Bridge and Church Road. These areas have

naturally low conductivity. Floodway Channel surface water conductivity was also higher during

the summer precipitation events in June 2008 than during the spring melt with no Floodway

Operation in April 2008. An increase in groundwater conductivity might occur in summer if

surface water intrudes into the groundwater at this time.


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2.0 CONSTRUCTION MONITORING

2.1 BACKGROUND

Potential groundwater effects from construction activities were identified in the pre-construction

Environmental Impact Assessment; the groundwater monitoring program was developed to

assess and characterize the potential effect and adjust mitigation measures accordingly.

Possible groundwater effects, namely the drawdown of local wells, were identified for those

construction activities that required groundwater depressurization (i.e. construction of certain

bridge piers in areas of high piezometric groundwater levels). Channel excavation was

complete in all areas of the floodway by the end of 2010. Construction of the PTH 44 and PTH

15 Bridges continued into 2010. The groundwater construction monitoring program locations

were selected to provide coverage along the channel and in areas of construction for bridges,

Oasis Road, the Outlet Structure, and the Kildare Land Drainage Pumping Station. Additional

monitoring locations were adjusted or added to increase coverage in certain areas as

construction proceeded.

Construction monitoring programs included field measurements in domestic wells to evaluate if

remedial work was required prior to depressurization programs. Measurement of water levels in

regional monitoring wells enabled construction managers to adjust the timing and amount of

groundwater pumping to minimize domestic well drawdown, while ensuring adequate protection

for construction foundations. Post-construction monitoring successfully documented full aquifer

recovery.

2.2 2010 PROGRAM

Groundwater monitoring of temporary construction depressurization programs was conducted in

2010 at the active bridge project sites; PTH 44 and PTH15 Bridge locations. These programs

were designed to minimize groundwater seepage into the excavations required for the bridge

piers. Monitoring for these programs included the following activities:

� monitoring well water quality sampling,

� continuous water level measurements,


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� domestic well sampling,

� additional domestic, commercial and industrial well inventories, and

� field water level measurement programs at selected domestic, commercial and industrial wells.

A second brief groundwater depressurization program at PTH 15 was conducted in October

2010 to install clay fill and a reverse filter around the piers. At sites requiring construction

depressurization of the bedrock aquifer, groundwater levels returned to normal after pumping

programs stopped. Most of the recovery took place within hours and full recovery took place

within a week. Some wells installed for the PTH15 and PTH44 Bridge program have been

retained for future use. Wells located within the channel have been protected from flooding by

installation of waterproof seals.

The Groundwater Action Response Plan has been used effectively during construction. There

were no public complaints during groundwater depressurization projects in 2010 and complaints

in prior years were minimal.

Thirty complaints were received pertaining to construction projects throughout from 2005-2010.

All were resolved as detailed in past groundwater activity reports.

No further monitoring is required for construction effects, as all groundwater depressurization

activities are complete.


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3.0 DOMESTIC WELLS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Domestic well monitoring was conducted to provide an initial baseline prior to Floodway

expansion. Subsequent annual programs were conducted to monitor for construction effects

and for potential effects during periods of Floodway Operation. The domestic well monitoring

augmented the original pre-expansion water chemistry from provincial wells and the data

collected from new monitoring wells installed for the Floodway Expansion Project.

Approximately 200 wells were sampled in 2010 during each of the March pre-flood, and

March/April post flood sampling events. A core list of wells was targeted, with other wells added

for construction monitoring as needed. The location of wells sampled varies between flood

events depending on the location of construction, access provided by well owners, and results

of programs from prior years. As a result of the analysis of prior years, the well sampling

locations shifts away from areas where there is no construction or where there has been no

evidence of effects from Floodway / groundwater interactions, based on hydrogeologic

conditions supported by sample data. In 2010, wells at 230 residences were sampled at least

once. The distribution of these wells is shown on Figure HM70-1. Individual well owners

received copies of their laboratory analysis after each sampling event.

The electronic well inventory database was updated in 2010. It contains homeowner interview

information, field sampling results and links to water chemistry results. The inventory is being

used with the Floodway GIS database on an on-going basis and has been a resource when

investigating public inquiries and during temporary groundwater depressurization activities at

construction sites such as bridges, the Aqueduct, Kildare Flood Pumping Station, Oasis Road

cut-off wall and the Outlet Control Structure. Since 2005, domestic well inventories have been

conducted at approximately 747 locations, with 107 other domestic locations identified and

georeferenced.

A variety of factors can contribute to changes in domestic well water quality. This can make

detection of possible surface water intrusion from the floodway difficult to interpret. Infiltration

from septic fields or unsanitary conditions in the well, or local surface water infiltration may


7

introduce bacteria or nitrates, unrelated to Floodway Operation. Location near gravel pits, ponds

or creeks may also cause bacteria and nitrates to enter the well. If local surface water sources

infiltrate and move to the well, the resulting water quality changes are often similar to those

potentially caused by Red River water infiltrating via the Floodway.

Since the Floodway receives surface water from the Seine River and various municipal drains

and outfalls, the channel can carry a substantial flow, even when the gates are not operated to

allow the Red River to enter. Periods of high rainfall in the summer can also fill the base of the

Floodway such as occurred in early July and early August 2009. These events were correlated

to groundwater elevation changes. In some cases, water quality changes were monitored in

areas where recharge or infiltration occurred.

Monitoring of the domestic wells will be phased out now that channel expansion construction

has been completed. Monitoring wells installed under controlled conditions along the channel

right-of-way are preferred for on-going sampling programs, to avoid potential limitations due to

access as well as varying age, construction, and maintenance of the domestic wells.

3.2 BACTERIA

Positive detection of Total Coliform bacteria in domestic wells in 2010 was low and was not

strongly correlated with the Floodway Operation period in April or with construction activities,

although there were increases in some wells during the spring floodway period. In 2010, most

of the samples analyzed had no Total Coliform bacteria. In March 2010 prior to the spring flood,

24 of 192 samples (13%) tested positive for Total Coliform. Subsequently, Total Coliform

detections increased slightly to 37 of 210 samples (18%) in late March/April 2010 during

Floodway Operation. These detection percentage variations between sampling periods and

between years reflect that the specific wells sampled change each time, not necessarily that

there is any increasing trend. The program is refined each year, to target wells in areas

deemed to be most vulnerable, maintaining wells in the monitoring program that demonstrate

varying water quality, eliminating those that do not and focusing sampling in more sensitive

groundwater areas in order to optimize the information gained within a practical budget.


8

Most positive detections of Total Coliform bacteria in 2010 have occurred north of the CN

Keewatin Bridge. No sampling was conducted south of the TCH Bridge in 2010, since in

previous years Total Coliform bacteria were rarely detected in those wells. There was a slight

increase in detection of Total Coliform bacteria for the spring flood event in late March/April

2010, versus the pre-flood monitoring. There are, however, a variety of sources of bacteria

potentially influencing the groundwater quality such as, Floodway Operation, but also other

sources including spring melt conditions or in-well effects. Clusters of wells with positive Total

Coliform bacteria were monitored in higher density developments including Rockhaven Road,

north of Ludwick Road, Bray Road and near CPR Keewatin. All wells are assumed to be

developed in the bedrock aquifer based on drilling records examined in selected areas.

E. Coli bacteria were detected in three wells of 192 domestic wells tested in March 2010, prior

to the spring melt and Floodway Operation. E. Coli was not detected in any of the 21 domestic

wells sampled in April 2010 during Floodway Operation. All homeowners were notified if they

had positive bacteria results.

Homeowners participating in the program have received provincial fact sheets on well

maintenance and well disinfection. Where bacteria results are positive, homeowners are

contacted by phone and directed to the Office of Drinking Water for any further well-related

questions.

3.3 NITRATE+NITRITE (AS NITROGEN)

Most nitrate + nitrite (as N) values throughout the study area are historically well below the

Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guideline (CDWQG) value of 10 mg/L nitrate + nitrite (as N).

In March and late March /April 2010, 78 to 80% of samples were less than detection (0.05 mg/L)

and 95% of the values were less than 1 mg/L. Values from 1 to 5 mg/L were present in 5% to

6% of wells. A value from 5 to 10 mg/L was found only at 1 well, near the Outlet Structure, in

March 2010. In 2010, nitrate values were not strongly correlated with Floodway Operation as

explained in Section 3.6. This is consistent with monitoring in prior years, which also showed

little relation between nitrate values and Floodway Operation.


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3.4 PESTICIDES

Pesticides/Herbicides selected for testing in prior years were representative of those used in

local agricultural practice. No pesticides were used on the channel contracts. None of the

pesticides/herbicides analyzed were detected in the six domestic wells sampled in 2009. None

of the herbicides were detected during the 2009 Spring flood in the surface water samples at

VEG U/S (11+000) and VEG D/S (50+900). Since pesticides and herbicides had not been

detected in domestic wells, they were not sampled in domestic wells in 2010. In surface water

sampling in 2010, only AMPA was detected (1.02 to 1.07 ug/L at both CON u/S (5+500) and

CON D/S (50 +900).

Pesticides and herbicides have not been detected in domestic well groundwater samples since

the start of Groundwater monitoring in 2005.

3.5 CONDUCTIVITY

Conductivity changes are being used as an indicator of surface water influence on groundwater

quality, as conductivity is a parameter that is readily measured. Conductivity changes reflect the

changes in other parameters contributing to the dissolved solids.

If surface water intrudes into the aquifer, the mixing would result in changes observed in

groundwater conductivity. Conductivity decreases with the addition of surface waters in most

areas. Changes are most readily observed in areas where groundwater is more mineralized and

thus has higher conductivity than surface water, which is typically the case. Conversely,

increases in groundwater conductivity would be seen in areas where baseline groundwater

conductivity is less than that of surface waters.

In the study area, potential surface water infiltration sources are ponds and open sand and

gravel quarries, and creeks, as well as the Floodway and Red River primarily near the Floodway

Outlet.

During spring monitoring, no obvious change in groundwater quality was seen in 69% (146) of

the 210 domestic wells sampled. There were 64 wells (30% of the total wells) showing possible


10

slight to moderate decreases in conductivity. The decreases were rated as slight (<10%

change) for 30 wells (14% of the total) and minor (10 to 25% change) for 30 wells (14% of the

total), with the slight to minor water quality changes interspersed along the channel from Hwy 59

Bridge to the Outlet. Moderate (25 to 50% change) decreases were noted for 4 wells (2%)

which were located in the Floodway Outlet area. There were 13 wells (20%) that had both

water quality changes and Total Coliform. The wells currently selected for the sampling

programs are in areas with higher potential for surface water intrusion due to hydrogeologic

conditions or location near other surface water sources. In 2010, well sampling occurred north

of TCH 1. All of the domestic wells with conductivity decreases are located from north of PTH 15

Bridge to the Floodway Outlet.

3.6 RELATIONSHIP AMONG PARAMETERS

Total Coliform was found in 37 of the 210 wells (18%) sampled during the spring flood in 2010.

Conductivity changes occurred in 64 of the 210 wells (30%). Total Coliform presence, however,

was not strongly correlated with decreases in conductivity attributed to surface water intrusion in

the 2010 spring flood. At times Total Coliform occurred without conductivity changes, while in

other cases the two occurred together, typical of the pattern found in other years. In 2010, Total

Coliform was found in 24 wells that had no conductivity changes and in 13 wells which had

conductivity changes. Total Coliform was not detected in the remaining 51 of the 64 wells

(80%) which had conductivity changes.

Increases in nitrate + nitrite (as N) were also not strongly correlated with the decreases in

conductivity. Increases in nitrate + nitrite (as N) were found in 7 of the 64 wells that showed

decreases in conductivity. The increases found in nitrate + nitrite (as N) were slight and ranged

from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/L in 5 of the wells, and up to 1.7 mg/ in the 2 other wells, which had a history

of increased nitrates.

Nitrates in surface water during Floodway Operation were a maximum of 1.7 mg/L in 2010. The

total nitrate concentration in groundwater from the domestic wells was generally less than 1

mg/L, far below the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Objective of 10 mg/L for total nitrate (as

N).


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A conductivity decrease associated with both a Total Coliform presence and a nitrate + nitrite

(as N) increase was seen in 3 of the 64 wells that showed water quality changes: one with a

moderate (25 to 50%) conductivity change; and two with minor (10 to 25%) conductivity

changes. However, one of these wells also had bacteria during non-flood events, which

suggests that well water quality is being influenced by sources other than Floodway Operation

(e.g. a bacteria source from within the well).

E. Coli bacteria were not detected in any samples during the spring 2010 Floodway Operation.

The historical record for the 37 domestic wells with Total Coliform bacteria in 2010 shows that

there are some wells (22) where Total Coliform bacteria is only found during flood events, and

not at other times of the year. The remainder of the wells (15) contained Total Coliform bacteria

both during flood events and at other times of the year. Many of these wells were sampled for

the first time during a flood event in 2010. All wells with Total Coliform bacteria were located

north of PTH 59 on the west side of the floodway, except for one well which was on the east

side of PTH 59.

3.7 LOCATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY CHANGES

In summary, 146 or 69% of the 210 domestic wells showed no measureable change in

groundwater quality in 2010. Groundwater quality changes were found in 64 or 31% of the wells.

These wells are located from PTH 15 north to the Floodway Outlet, with concentrations at PTH

59N Bridge and north of Ludwick Road.

The 13 wells with Total Coliform and other water quality changes (e.g.. conductivity) are located

primarily north of Hay Road to the Floodway Outlet.

The 7 wells showing nitrate increases associated with conductivity decreases are located near

the CEMR Bridge and the PTH 59N Bridge.

The 3 wells showing a conductivity decrease with both a nitrate increase and a Total Coliform

presence are located at the Floodway Outlet and PTH 59N Bridge.


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4.0 MONITORING WELLS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

In 2010 monitoring well samples were collected primarily within the Floodway Channel

Right-of-Way from approximately 45 bedrock wells, 10 till wells adjacent to the floodway, plus

5 sand and gravel wells (Oasis Road area only). Monitoring wells are not used for water supply

and are not domestic wells. During the spring Floodway Operation, 45 wells were sampled

including 43 monitoring wells and 2 sand and gravel wells. Monitoring well locations are shown

in Figure HM70-2. Conductivity in the monitoring wells generally shows the same distribution

along the Floodway as for the domestic wells. Bacteria were not sampled in monitoring wells in

2010. It is not feasible to disinfect the 2-inch standpipes sufficiently to eliminate sediment, which

can naturally carry Total Coliform bacteria. Larger diameter provincial wells do not have the

sanitary protection needed for reliable bacteria monitoring.

4.2 NITRATE-NITRITE (AS NITROGEN)

In the monitoring well samples most nitrate + nitrite (as Nitrogen) concentrations were low in

2010 and lower than surface water levels during Floodway Operation (a maximum of 1.7 mg/L).

About half of the 211 values are less than 0.05 mg/L, 20% are between 0.05 and 0.3 mg/L, 8%

are between 0.3 and 1 mg/l (at Hay Rd. Kildare LDS, CPR Keewatin Bridge, and PTH 59N), 6 %

between 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L, and 14% are between 2 and 2.5 mg/L (at PTH 44 Bridge and the

Floodway Outlet). All values were below the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for

nitrate + nitrite (as N), 10 mg/L.

4.3 PESTICIDES

The pesticides analyzed represented products used in the area for agriculture plus those that

had been intended for floodway construction use (although pesticides were not ultimately used).

Glyphosate was found at monitoring well K03-12006C on April 6, 2010 at a concentration of

0.56 μg/L. The CCME Canadian Drinking Water Guideline for glyphosate is 280 μg/L.

Glyphosate found in surface water was at twice the levels in the groundwater, but still at a low

concentration of 1.1 μg/L upstream of construction (CON U/S) and 1.25 μg/l downstream of


13

Construction. None of the other pesticides / herbicides that were analyzed were found in the

four monitoring wells sampled.

4.4 CONDUCTIVITY

No conductivity change was seen in 28 (63%) of the 44 monitoring wells sampled during the

spring Floodway Operation in 2010. There were 16 wells (37%) which showed possible

decreases in conductivity and other parameter concentrations compared to the pre-flood (March

2010) monitoring. For 9 (21%) of these monitoring wells, the conductivity decreases were rated

as slight (less than 10% change) to minor (10% to 25% change). The conductivity decreases

were moderate (25 to 50% change) for another 7 (16%) of the wells.

Wells with moderate changes were found as follows:

� One bedrock sand and gravel monitoring well at the west side of PTH 59N Bridge in overburden and one bedrock well (where the Floodway Channel is in sand and gravel over bedrock)

� Two bedrock monitoring wells at the Floodway outlet where bedrock is close to the channel bottom

� One bedrock monitoring well at the PTH 44 Bridge where there is a high bedrock transmissivity in an upper fractured zone

� One bedrock monitoring well at the Floodway Inlet Control Structure where there is a direct connection between the Red River and the aquifer

� One bedrock monitoring well near CNR Redditt and Kildare in an area where the channel base is in till

Many of the monitoring wells are located on the shoulder of the Floodway channel, or in the

spoil pile, and would be expected to experience any water quality changes more quickly than

domestic wells located further away, beyond the Floodway Right-of Way. Travel times to the

wells vary depending on Floodway Channel water elevations, and piezometric water elevations

and the hydraulic conductivity of the bedrock, which varies from highly fractured to very tight. In

general, however, groundwater gradients will be greater and their travel times will be shorter

closer to the floodway. Gradients will decrease and travel times will lengthen further from the

floodway. The water quality changes related to these gradients and travel times should

correspondingly decrease with distance away from the channel.


14

In cases where conductivity changes appeared to be correlated to Floodway use in the spring,

the maximum change correlated with conditions of peak flow and surface water elevation during

the Floodway Operation period. Water quality started returning to typical pre-spring melt

groundwater concentrations after the peak flow dropped and reached pre-melt conditions soon

after Floodway Operation ended.

4.5 RELATIONSHIP AMONG PARAMETERS

Nitrate values increased in 5 of the 16 wells where decreases in conductivity occurred in spring

2010. The nitrate values measured at these wells were below levels measured in surface waters

(a maximum of 1.7 m/L) during Floodway Operation. The increases in nitrate ranged from 0.22

to 0.85 mg/L with total nitrate plus nitrite (as nitrogen) of 0.85 mg/L or less. Nitrate

concentrations in these wells were below the Canadian Drinking Water Guideline of 10 mg/L

nitrate (as N).

4.6 WATER LEVELS

In 2010, water level measurements were taken during the pre-melt and spring flood

groundwater monitoring periods and during work at sites of temporary construction dewatering.

Water level measurements from 10 provincial monitors with chart recorders also were

examined. These show water levels within the range of historic data. Those wells close to

temporary construction depressurization programs show the groundwater drawdown and

recovery associated with changes in the depressurization programs.

4.7 CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENTS

Transducers were installed at 23 monitoring wells in 2010. Data from the transducers taking

continuous conductivity, temperature and elevation measurements at monitoring wells did not

identify significant potential surface water intrusion into the vast majority of wells during the

Floodway Operation in 2010. The two main exceptions to these findings were noted at PTH

59N Bridge west side, and at the Floodway Outlet and PTH 44 Bridge area. Minor changes

were also seen at Church Road.


15

Infiltration of Floodway surface water into the bedrock aquifer was documented at PTH 59N

Bridge west side at a bedrock well located within 40 m of the west channel slope within the

Floodway Right-of-Way. A short-term minor decrease in conductivity was measured during

Floodway Operation in 2010 in this bedrock well. The sand and gravel well at this location also

shows a short term moderate decrease in conductivity. The sand and gravel well is west of the

cut-off wall (e.g. away from channel side), installed to bedrock on the west side of the channel.

There is potential for surface water to infiltrate through the channel to the bedrock, and influence

the sand and gravel well, which is installed close to the bedrock surface. This response is

consistent with previous years. Groundwater quality changes occurred concurrently with water

level changes at this location, with little time lag. The groundwater quality returned to a typical

pre-melt groundwater composition by the time the spring run-off flow in the Floodway Channel

had discharged from the channel, and flow was back to the Low Flow Channel (LFC) water

level.

Infiltration of surface water from the Red River and subsequent Floodway Operation was also

seen in April 2010 at the Floodway Outlet, in six monitoring wells located between 200 and 350

m north of the Outlet Structure and cut-off wall, on-site and at Henderson Highway and

Rockhaven Road. Conductivity measurements in the wells were low in March/April 2010 during

the Floodway Operation. Conductivity measurements increased rapidly after the peak of the

melt, correlating with the groundwater elevation decline. Conductivity returned to typical

background bedrock groundwater quality as the floodway flow levels approached the LFC level.

Two groundwater discharge areas (springs) located in the Floodway Channel that were treated

with a reverse filter in 2009, were monitored to document water quality changes. The results

confirmed that floodway surface water can reverse the gradient and flow direction temporarily,

infiltrating or recharging into the bedrock locally, in these normal groundwater discharge areas.

Water quality monitored after surface water passed through the sand filters showed a significant

drop in Total Coliform and suspended sediments. In addition, the groundwater quality

discharging from these reverse filter springs returned to bedrock groundwater quality as soon as

the floodway flow reverted back to the LFC level. Eleven additional discharge areas were

treated with reverse granular filters in early winter 2010.


16

5.0 2011 MONITORING

Groundwater monitoring will continue in 2011. The purpose of the 2011 monitoring program is

to gain further information on floodway response primarily during larger flood events which is

predicted for 2011. The program will focus on monitoring wells. A small number of domestic

wells will be used in 2011 to provide correlation during this transition. A targeted surface water

monitoring program will be included to aid the groundwater data interpretation and to

characterize the changes in water quality in the incoming surface water during the event.

Monitoring beyond 2011 will be outlined in a post-construction and long-term on-going

monitoring plan to be submitted to Manitoba Conservation.


FIGURES

RM of Springfield

RM of Springfield

Birds HillProvincial Park

East St. Paul

St. Clements

St. Andrews

City of Winnipeg

RM of Tache

RM of Ritchot

West St. Paul

CHURCH ROAD

HAY ROAD

FLOODWAY OUTLET

FLOODWAY INLET

DUNNING ROAD CROSSING

P.R. 407 LUDWICK ROAD

HWY 59 SOUTH

HWY 1

HWY 15

HWY 44

RE

DR

IVE

R

HWY 59 NORTH

CPR KEEWATIN BRIDGE

635000

635000

640000

640000

645000

645000

650000

650000

5520000

5520000

5530000

5530000

5540000

5540000

5550000

5550000

X:\projects\2003\03-1100-01\GIS\Archive\Contract_General\999923_HM70\MXDs\Rev0\HM70-1.mxdPortions of data presented are owned by the Province of Manitoba and are producedunder the licence agreement with the Province of Manitoba ©2010 Queen's Printer.

1012345

Kilometres

RED RIVER FLOODWAY EXPANSION

KGS GROUP

NOVEMBER 2010REV: 0 FIGURE HM70-1

2010 GROUNDWATER MONITORING ACTIVITY REPORT

MANITOBA FLOODWAY AUTHORITY

All units are metric and in metres unless otherwise specified.Universal Transverse Mercator Projection, NAD 1983, Zone 14Elevations are in metres above sea level (MSL)

MEMO REFERENCE ...................................................... 05-1100-01.999923-HM70

.........................................................................................

DOMESTIC WELL MONITORINGLOCATIONS 2010

REDRI

VER

Legend

Domestic Wells Sampled 2010

Domestic Well Monitoring Area Within

Additional Monitoring Area Boundary

Floodway Right of Way Limits

RM Boundary

3

2

6

7

1

75

59

98

59

44

15

1

SELKIRK

WINNIPEG

KEY MAP

- 200m of Floodway Right of Way- 1km of Bridge Crossings- 1km of Detailed Sections

1:100,000(11" x 17" Plot)

Lake

Winnipeg

SELK

IRK ST

EIN

BA

CH

MO

RR

IS

HW

Y 1

WIN

NIP

EG

RM

of

Brok

enhe

ad

RM

of

Spri

ngfie

ld

RM

of

Wes

t St.

Paul

East

St.

Paul

RM

of

St. A

ndre

ws

Bird

s Hill

Prov

inci

al P

ark

RM

of

St.

Cle

men

ts

OA

KB

AN

KCP

R K

EEW

ATI

N

CEMR

LIST

ERRA

PID

S

ST. A

ND

REW

SLO

CK

AN

D D

AM

CIT

Y O

FW

INN

IPE

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STU

DY

AR

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OU

ND

AR

Y

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of

RED

RIV

ERFL

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DW

AY

LOC

KPO

RT

OU

TLET

STR

UC

TUR

E

Bra

y R

oad

8

9

59

44

101

12

Oas

is R

oad

RR

F023

W 0

3-11

018

W 0

3-11

019

W 0

3-11

038

W 0

3-11

036

K 03

-120

08-B

G05

OJ0

77

W 0

3-11

039

K 03

-120

04-B

G05

OJ0

02

W 0

3-11

037

W 0

3-11

040

W 0

3-11

030

W 0

3-11

032

K 03

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03-B

K 03

-120

03-C

W 0

3-11

031

W 0

3-11

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K 03

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05-B

G05

OJ0

05

W 0

3-11

025-

UW

03-

1102

5-L

U 0

6-92

36

K 04

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03K

06-1

2108

K 06

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09K

06-8

721

U 0

6-13

542

G05

OJ0

14

W 0

3-11

026

K 03

-120

06-B

K 03

-120

06-C

K 04

-121

02-B

K 04

-121

01 (B

R)

K 04

-121

01 (S

+G)

K 04

-121

04

K 03

-120

09-B

G05

OJ0

79G

05O

J148

G05

OJ0

06

W 0

3-92

00W

03-

9200

W 0

3-11

017

K

07-

8810

K

07-

8809

K

07-

1212

6

K 09

-120

12

K

07-

1212

4

TRU

CK

TRA

ININ

G W

ELL

K

07-

1213

6

K 08

-926

2

K

09-

1231

8

K 0

9-12

319

K

09-

1231

7

K

09-

1231

6

(Dec

om)

(Dec

om)

RR

F072

(D

ecom

)

K 09

-120

11

(Dec

om)

Hay

Roa

dG

05O

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(D

ecom

)

6400

00

6400

00

6600

00

6600

00

5540000

5540000

5560000

5560000

MO

NIT

OR

ING

PR

OG

RAM

MO

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OR

ING

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LL L

OC

ATIO

NS

RED

RIV

ER

FLO

OD

WA

Y E

XP

AN

SIO

N

KG

S G

RO

UP

NO

VE

MB

ER

201

0R

EV:

0FI

GU

RE

HM

70-2

X:\projects\2003\03-1100-01\GIS\Archive\Contract_General\999923_HM70\MXDs\Rev0\HM70-2.mxdPortions of data presented are owned by the Province of Manitoba and are producedunder the licence agreement with the Province of Manitoba© 2010 Queen's Printer.

2010

GR

OU

ND

WA

TER

MO

NIT

OR

ING

AC

TIV

ITY

RE

PO

RT

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ITO

BA F

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DW

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AUTH

OR

ITY

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nits

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met

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met

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unle

ss o

ther

wis

e sp

ecifi

ed.

Uni

vers

al T

rans

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l (M

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grap

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vel W

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thro

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19.

1:15

0,00

0(1

1" x

17"

Plo

t)

Lake

Winnipeg

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IRK ST

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e

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hot

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e

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CH

ENES

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of

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over

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ary'

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oad

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1

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15

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nch

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001

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003

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001

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MW

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MW

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05-

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05-

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05-

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(Dec

om)

(Dec

om)

(Dec

om)

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om)

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08-

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0

(Dec

om)

(Dec

om)

(Dec

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con

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ervo

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00

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GU

RE

HM

70-2

X:\projects\2003\03-1100-01\GIS\Archive\Contract_General\999923_HM70\MXDs\Rev0\HM70-2.mxdPortions of data presented are owned by the Province of Manitoba and are producedunder the licence agreement with the Province of Manitoba© 2010 Queen's Printer.

2010

GR

OU

ND

WA

TER

MO

NIT

OR

ING

AC

TIV

ITY

RE

PO

RT

MAN

ITO

BA F

LOO

DW

AY

AUTH

OR

ITY

All u

nits

are

met

ric a

nd in

met

res

unle

ss o

ther

wis

e sp

ecifi

ed.

Uni

vers

al T

rans

vers

e M

erca

tor P

roje

ctio

n, N

AD

198

3, Z

one

14El

evat

ions

are

in m

etre

s ab

ove

sea

leve

l (M

SL)

ME

MO

RE

FER

EN

CE

.....

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

....

05-1

100-

01.9

9990

23-H

M70

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

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(SO

UTH

SH

EE

T)

KEY

MA

P SH

EET

IND

EX

20

24

6

Kilo

met

res

Prim

ary

Hig

hway

s

Rai

lway

Maj

or R

iver

s

RM

Bou

ndar

ies

Stud

y A

rea

Bou

ndar

y

Topo

grap

hic

Feat

ures

Mon

itorin

g W

ells

Till

Wel

l

Bedr

ock

Wel

l

Sand

and

Gra

vel W

ell

Not

es:

1. (D

ecom

) - D

ecom

issi

oned

Wel

l2.

Wel

ls K

09-

1231

6 th

roug

h K

09-

1231

9 w

ere

form

erly

nam

ed K

09-

9616

thro

ugh

K 0

9-96

19.

1:15

0,00

0(1

1" x

17"

Plo

t)

Documents

Original Signed By: Marci Friedman Hamm Original Signed By